An Irresistible Bachelor(100)

"Later." Jack nodded toward his mother who'd just come into the room and was eyeing them both with purpose.

Mercedes's arms stretched out widely as she approached. "Gray, dear, how are you?"

"Mrs. Walker, you look lovely."

As she accepted Gray's kiss on the cheek, Jack eyed his mother objectively. She did look good in the dark blue gown she was wearing and he noted that the collar of diamonds and sapphires at her neck had been a wedding gift to her from his grandparents. Which meant it was one of the few pieces in her safe that he didn't technically own.

"Now, Gray, I understand you and Jack have been hard at work, plotting. I want you to know I thoroughly approve." Gray made a noncommittal noise as she tucked her arm into his. "I can't tell you the number of people here who are prepared to vote for my son. There's going to be a stampede to the polls."

As Gray did the social dance with his mother. Jack searched the room. He'd been looking for Callie all night long, but she was nowhere to be found. Hell, maybe she was avoiding him on purpose. After all, the deadline he'd given her was up tomorrow. Maybe she was just running the clock down.

"Jack?" his mother prompted him.

"What?"

Mercedes let out her social laugh, the one that carried like wind chimes through the small group that had gathered around her. "Isn't that just like my son? Always deep in thought. Jack just has so much going on. Now, if you all will excuse us, my son and I need a moment alone."

"We do?" he drawled.

She was smiling and nodding as she grabbed onto his good arm and led him into the butler's pantry. She slid the pocket door in place and glared at him.

"What happened to that painting!"

Even though he knew exactly what she was talking about, he muttered, "You want to be a little more specific?"

"She's ruined it."

"And who did you hear this from? "

"Gerard told me everything."

"Then I'm quite sure he didn't phrase it like that."

Mercedes threw her shoulders back and hit him with the full regal routine. "Jackson, I do not understand what that woman has done to you. She comes into this house, destroys your relationship with Blair, and then does untold damage to that priceless piece of art and you defend her?"

"Mother, relax. Grace and I reviewed the painting with Callie this afternoon. It's perfectly fine."

This stopped Mercedes in her tracks. "Grace has seen the devastation?"

He tightened his lips. "Let's get this straight. The painting is not ruined."


"What about that face! Who is it?"

"We have a theory, and if it proves to be correct, the value of the painting has probably been enhanced."

His mother's eyes narrowed. "Well."

He lifted a brow and waited to see if she came up with some other way to try and blow the situation out of proportion.

Instead, she hit him from a fresh angle.

"And what of the party at the MFA?" she prompted him. "I thought we were going to have a reception when the painting is mounted next to the Paul Revere. I've already started to invite people, but Gerard says you're being evasive."

"If there's a reception, we'll have it here. No matter how great my ancestor would look next to the Revere, that painting's going back over my fireplace where it belongs."

"But that's where your father is!"

Like the man, and not a portrait of him, was mounted on the wall.

"Actually, I'm going to move that picture."

While his mother stared at him as if he'd committed blasphemy, Jack checked his watch. It was seven o'clock on the West Coast. Perfect, he thought.

"If you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to."

He knew that was the only way his mother would let go of him. She'd forgive him anything that had to do with the Walker Fund. Mercedes, he thought, had always kept her eye on the prize. And the prize was almost always green.

But she took his arm in a sturdy grip. "I'm very concerned about you."

"I don't know why. The cast comes off in a week or two."

"Be serious!" Her eyes flashed. "I just don't know what you're thinking anymore, Jackson. But I refuse to let you lose sight of the big picture."

"Lucky me," he said as he opened the door.